Painting and decorating businesses for sale

A painting firm rarely owns heavy equipment. Its value lies in its clients and its people. Regular arrangements with housing associations, property managers, offices and institutions bring recurring work; private clients often pay better but need more selling. Ask for a client list with revenue per client for recent years, and find out whether arrangements are written framework agreements or simply habit. Ask too whether the relationships depend on the owner personally.

In many small painting firms the owner prices every job and spends much of the week painting. Ask how many hours the owner bills and who could take over estimating and client contact. Employees transfer on their existing terms; ask about length of service, piece rates or hourly pay, and whether an experienced painter could lead the team. A longer transition period with the seller is often money well spent here.

Exterior painting is seasonal, while interior work and maintenance for housing associations can fill the winter. Look at revenue month by month. Check scaffolding, lifts, spray equipment and vans, and whether the firm has its health and safety routines and its handling of paint and waste in order.

• Client list with revenue per client and any framework agreements.
• The owner’s billed hours and role in quoting.
• Staff list with pay structure and length of service.
• Revenue month by month.
• Open complaints and warranties.

Read the general advice on buying a trade business, and use the price estimate to assess the price.